Description

“Hepatitis C Viral Combo” typically refers to a diagnostic test used to detect the presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the blood. This test is often referred to as a combination or combo test because it can simultaneously detect both antibodies to HCV and the HCV RNA (genetic material).

Here’s how the test typically works:

1. Detection of HCV Antibodies: The first part of the test is to detect antibodies produced by the body in response to HCV infection. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to help fight off infections. If a person has been exposed to HCV in the past or currently has an active HCV infection, their immune system will produce antibodies against the virus. This part of the test is usually performed using a technique called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
2. Detection of HCV RNA: The second part of the test is to detect the genetic material of the hepatitis C virus itself, known as HCV RNA. This part of the test is used to directly detect the presence of the virus in the blood, even in the early stages of infection when antibodies may not yet be detectable. This is particularly important for diagnosing acute HCV infection or monitoring treatment response in chronic HCV infection. The detection of HCV RNA is typically done using molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs).

By combining the detection of antibodies and viral RNA in a single test, the hepatitis C viral combo test provides a comprehensive assessment of HCV infection status, including whether a person has been previously exposed to the virus (positive for antibodies) and whether the virus is currently present in the bloodstream (positive for HCV RNA).

Interpretation of the test results requires clinical expertise, and positive results may need confirmation with additional testing. Management and treatment decisions are typically based on the results of the combo test, along with other clinical factors such as liver function tests and medical history.